A helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the fate of those aboard still uncertain.
The incident occurred on Monday in a swampy area of the riverine community, opposite the Naval Base, according to reports.
The crash caused anxiety among residents, while access to the location was reportedly difficult because of the terrain.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that an aircraft had crashed in the Igbokoda axis but said details were still being gathered.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said efforts are ongoing to establish what happened and urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
The number of people aboard the helicopter and the number of casualties had not been officially confirmed as of Monday afternoon.
Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, also confirmed the incident, saying military equipment was found around the crash site.
“We have confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that were on board yet. Military gear was found at the scene, but the helicopter had burnt to rubble,” he said.
There was, however, no official confirmation that the aircraft belonged to the military.
The cause of the crash, the identity of the operator and the nature of the helicopter’s mission were also yet to be established.
Authorities are expected to provide further information after assessing the crash site and determining whether there were survivors.
- Media Report